Abstract

Primary intracerebral lymphoma is an uncommon presenting site for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The authors review 28 histopathologically confirmed, consecutive cases, presenting over a 15-year period. The cohort included 20 males and 8 females with a mean age at diagnosis of 54 years (range 27-75 years). Subtotal resection was performed in 8 patients. Radical whole brain irradiation was given to 27 patients. One patient was too unwell to receive treatment and quickly died. Three patients also had chemotherapy. Clinical remission was achieved in 19 patients. Of these, 9 relapsed after a median interval of 18 months. Nine patients (32% total cohort) are still alive and in remission after a median follow-up of 2 years and 10 months (range 11 months to 11 years and 5 months). Cause of death was intracerebral lymphoma in 13 of the 19 patients who died. Median survival was 12 months in this group (range 1 week to 4 years and 9 months). Actuarial 5-year survival for all patients was 19%. The prognosis for patients with primary intracerebral lymphoma treated with radiotherapy alone is poor.